In ScriptSpeak, a beat is an instruction in the script to leave a short pause, generally no more than the space of a breath, after a line or gag. Used either to indicate 'thinking time' or to let it sink in to increase the impact of the [[DelayedReaction subsequent reaction]]. For the actor, it indicates a change in thought process. Occasionally it will come just ''before'' the punch line, as a "here it comes" signal to the audience.

Extremely common in comedy movie trailers, often combined with a RecordNeedleScratch.

The BeatPanel is the equivalent in sequential art. Contrast with RapidFireComedy.

Modern actors and directors consider scenes to be divided up into "beats". The stage direction "beat" marks the end of a beat. Legend says that famous acting guru Stanislavski introduced the term when touring the United States. He would tell those who came to his lectures on acting to divide the scenes into "beats". The American actors hearing his lectures didn't realize he was trying to say "bits" with his Russian accent, and have been looking for "beats" in scripts ever since.

----!Examples:

[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:Anime and Manga]]* In ''Manga/LuckyStar'', Konata brings up the issue of her dad's [[{{lolicon}} attraction to small girls]].-->'''Konata:''' Okay, you know how you're so clingy? Would you still be like that if I were a boy?\\* beat*\\'''Soujirou:''' ...Of course!* In ''Anime/SkyGirls'', there is a beat when Otoha accidentally knocks in the flimsy dividing wall between the male and female outdoor springs. HilarityEnsues:-->'''Otoha:''' All right! Let's do our best!\\''*(stands up and pumps arms dramatically, striking down the dividing wall)\\* beat*\\''*male cast and female cast [[OhCrap stare]] at each other*''* In ''Manga/AkameGaKill'' after the ex-general Najenda comes to prevent the execution of one of her comrades on a flying beast.-->'''Esdeath:''' Hmph, the empire's traitor. It's been a while so why not chat a bit?\\* beat*\\''...In the torture chamber.''* Kyon from ''[[LightNovel/HaruhiSuzumiya The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya]]'', in his usual snarky way, will usually break a potential beat with a thought of his own. This doesn't happen when he encounters something he can't explain, like accidentally walking in on a Mikuru clothes-changing session.** Also, Taniguchi walking in on Kyon and Yuki in a suggestive position [[spoiler:after the fight against Ryoko]].--->'''Taniguchi:''' ''(idly)'' [[MemeticMutation Wa-wa-wa-wasuremo-]]\\* beat (during which he holds an [[LargeHam overly theatrical]] surprised pose)*\\'''Taniguchi:''' En... Enjoy yourselves! ''([[SorryToInterrupt flees]])''* In the ''Manga/AxisPowersHetalia'' movie, England and France stumble upon a digital map of ongoing/successful invasions. England absent mindedly reaches out to touch the UK and a pop up appears, a voice (the narrator) reading it aloud.-->'''Narrator:''' Britain, a former pirate, but now a rather effeminate yet gentlemanly empire with a plethora of rain. France is a long time acquaintance he's often found bickering with for bickering's sake. However, in their heart of hearts they love each other.-->*beat*\\Sexually.\\'''England and France:''' Uh... Where the hell did they get that?\\* Proceed to fight until aliens burst in and break them up* Cue dramatic music![[/folder]]

[[folder:Audio Plays]]* ''{{Ruby}}: The Adventures of a Galactic Gumshoe'':-->'''The Android Sisters:''' Humans are obsessed with money.\\'''Human:''' Not all of them, just some of them. ''(beat)'' Most of them. ''(beat and a half)'' Most of us.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Fan Works]]* ''FanFic/KyonBigDamnHero'' used it as a part of an ExpospeakGag:-->'''Yuki:''' At this juncture, I will attempt to communicate something to you, though I am uncertain as to the accuracy of the transmission. Words remain a weak vector for communicating vital information. Despite the lack of adherence to social norms and the correct protocols for this procedure, I am attempting to convey to you the positive emotive content of my current condition and regards for you. The outcome is uncertain; no accurate prediction can be made. Regardless of the fact that determination is unclear, I have resolved to continue due to the content of the emotive concept I wish to relay. Despite the fact that I have no comparable metric, I am currently unable to conceive a greater intensity than the one I experience at this moment in relation to you.-->''*beat*''\\'''Yuki:''' I attempted to use more words. It appears that the data was not conveyed accurately.\\'''Kyon:''' C...can you try it again with less, maybe?\\'''Yuki:''' Yes. [[spoiler:I like you. A lot.]]* Used several times in ''WebAnimation/TurnaboutStorm'', usually setting up the road for some sort of DoubleTake.-->'''[[Franchise/AceAttorney Phoenix Wright]]:''' Huh? Where am I?\\'''[[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic Twilight Sparkle]]:''' Hey! You're a human aren't you?\\'''Phoenix Wright:''' Yeah, I'm a human... *beat* WAIT, '''''[[BigWhat WHAT!?]]'''''* ''[[WebAnimation/PonyDotMov MAGIC.MOV]]'':-->'''Twilight:''' I'm going to try a black magic resurrection spell.\\'''Spike:''' How about you resurrect my penis. ''*beat*'' With sex.* ''Fanfic/CalvinAndHobbesTheSeries'' refers to a beat by name at one point.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Films -- Animated]]* ''WesternAnimation/ToyStory'':-->'''Buzz Lightyear:''' ...and you, my friend, are responsible for delaying my rendezvous with Star Command.\\''(beat)''\\'''Woody:''' [[PunctuatedForEmphasis YOU! ARE! A! TOYYYY!!!]] You're not the real Buzz Lightyear, you're--you're an action figure. You are a child's ''plaything''!\\''(beat)''\\'''Buzz Lightyear:''' [[Funny/ToyStory You are a sad, strange little man, and you have my pity]].** And earlier...--->'''Buzz Lightyear:''' I just want you to know that even though you tried to terminate me, revenge is not an idea we promote on my planet.\\'''Woody:''' Oh ''(beat)'' Well that's good.\\'''Buzz Lightyear:''' ...But we're not on my planet -- ''[[DeathGlare are we?]]''\\''(beat)''\\'''Woody:''' [[OhCrap Uhhh...]] [[Funny/ToyStory No.]]* Surprisingly used in ''Disney/SnowWhiteAndTheSevenDwarfs''... ''with a character who can't speak''. After swallowing a bar of soap, [[CuteMute Dopey]] starts to hiccup out bubbles. Despite this, he doesn't notice he swallowed it, and continues searching, until a few seconds of silence let him figure out [[DinnerDeformation where it ended up]]. The silence passes, and then [[HiccupHijinks he hiccups nonstop]] for the rest of the scene.* Lampshaded in Gru's speech in ''WesternAnimation/{{Despicable Me}}''.--->'''Gru:''' WE ARE GOING TO STEAL... pause for effect... THE MOON!!![[/folder]]

[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]* In ''Film/JamesBond'', there's nearly always a beat within the frequent DoubleEntendre jokes.* ''Film/BubbaHoTep'' has a very noticeable beat when Elvis attempts to banish Bubba using the chant from the book of souls.-->'''Elvis:''' You nasty thing from beyond the dead, no matter what you think or do, good things will never come to you. And if evil is your black design, you can bet the goodness of the Light Ones... ''({{Beat}} as Elvis begins to realize what he's reading)'' ...Will kick your bad behind?\\* {{Beat}}*\\'''Elvis:''' [[YouHaveGOTToBeKiddingMe For chrissake!]]\\* {{Beat}}*\\'''Elvis:''' ''*To the heavens*'' That's it? That's the chant against evil from the "Book of Souls"? Oh yeah, right, boss. And what kind of decoder ring comes with that, man? Shit, it don't even rhyme well!* ''Film/{{Serenity}}:''-->'''Mal:''' Do you want to run this ship?!\\'''Jayne:''' Yes!\\'''Mal:''' ''(caught off guard)'' Well...''(beat)'' you can't!* In ''Film/{{Dredd}}'' two young gang members find the fully armored judges and approach them from behind and tell them to freeze, it goes as follows:-->'''Amos:''' Freeze--> The judges turn around and look at them.-->(''{{beat}}'')-->'''Judge Dredd:''' [[DeadpanSnarker Why?]]* The whole scene with the Black Knight from ''Film/MontyPythonAndTheHolyGrail''.-->'''Black Knight:''' 'Tis but a scratch.\\'''Arthur:''' A scratch?! Your arm's off!\\'''Black Knight:''' No it isn't.\\'''Arthur:''' Well, what's that then?\\* Arthur points at the Black Knight's severed arm; Black Knight looks at it.*\\'''Black Knight:''' I've had worse.** Same movie :-->'''Sir Bedevere:''' What makes you think she's a witch?\\'''Peasant:''' Well, she turned me into a newt!\\'''Sir Bedevere:''' A newt?\\'''Peasant:'''... I got better.*** Creator/EricIdle can be seen biting down on his scythe to keep from laughing in that scene because John Cleese let a beat hang for longer than expected.* ''Film/StarTrekVTheFinalFrontier'' In the turbolift on the way to the bridge, after shore leave has been cancelled:-->'''Kirk:''' I need a shower...-->(''{{beat}}'')-->'''Spock:''' Yes.** From ''Film/StarTrek'' (2009 reboot):-->'''Spock Prime:''' [[Film/StarTrekIITheWrathOfKhan I have been, and always shall be, your friend.]]-->'''Kirk:''' Uh... look... I-I don't know you.-->'''Spock Prime:''' I am Spock.-->(''beat'')-->'''Kirk:''' [[PrecisionFStrike Bullshit.]][[/folder]]

[[folder:Literature]]* In the novel ''Literature/{{Mogworld}}'' by [[Creator/BenCroshaw Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw]] we have this line in an exchange between Slippery John and the protagonist, an undead mage.-->He scowled from behind the invisible wall. "Why do you feel you have to antagonize me, servant of evil?" A beat. "Actually, Slippery John sort of answered his own question, there."* In ''Literature/TheVoyageOfTheDawnTreader'', there's the Island of Darkness. They rescue the Lord Rhoop, who tells the crew of the ''Dawn Treader'' that the island was a place where dreams came true. The crew thinks this is a grand thing, despite the ominous darkness. Rhoop repeats himself, telling everyone to think about it. In 30 seconds, the crew comes to an unspoken agreement and turns the boat around faster than they'd ever done it before.* In the ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'' novel ''Discworld/{{Thud}}'', the teetotaling vampire Sally lampshades this by stating, "And I don't drink significant pause wine."* ''Discworld/GoingPostal'':-->There was a pregnant pause. It gave birth to a lot of little pauses, each one more deeply embarrassing than its parent.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Live-Action TV]]* Played often in ''Series/DoctorWho''.-->'''Bishop:''' Dr. Song, I've lost good men today. Do you trust this man?\\'''River:''' I absolutely trust him.\\'''Bishop:''' He's not some sort of madman, then?\\* beat*\\'''River:''' I absolutely trust him.* The ''Series/RedDwarf'' episode "Camille", when Kryten is telling her about his crewmates:-->'''Camille:''' Please, I can't meet your shipmates. Trust me.\\'''Kryten:''' But you don't know them! You'll like them! ''(beat)'' Well, some of them. ''(beat)'' Well, one of them. ''(beat)'' Maybe.* Thoroughly used and abused by ''Series/HarryHillsTVBurp'', ''especially'' when it comes to the lead-up to the CatchPhrase, as these often tend to sneak up on the audience.* Used often in ''Series/{{House}}''.-->'''Walk-in patient:''' ''(feeling his own pulse)'' Got it!\\'''House:''' Start counting...\\(counting pause)\\'''House:''' How many?\\'''Walk-in patient:''' Twenty-six.\\'''House:''' Okay, either you suck at math or you're going to die in two seconds.\\* beat*\\'''House:''' You suck at math.* Hilariously discussed in ''Series/{{Farscape}}'':-->'''Aeryn:''' So you're... ''(she trails off)''\\'''John:''' What?\\'''Aeryn:''' Afraid. (there's a long pause) Of commitment.\\''(Scene change to later)''\\'''D'Argo:''' Hey wait a minute - did she hesitate like that, or was that just you doing that now?\\'''John:''' What does it matter?\\'''D'Argo:''' Well it matters because, if she hesitated like that, she knows you were talking about her.\\(Scene change to Aeryn and Chiana)\\'''Chiana:''' You said what?\\'''Aeryn:''' What I said.\\'''Chiana:''' Like you said?\\'''Aeryn:''' What does it matter?\\'''Chiana:''' (with an exasperated sigh) Well if you said it to him like you said it when you said it to me, then it means that he knows that you know.* Every so often on ''Series/CashCab''. Most [[YouKeepUsingThatWord hilariously]] and [[TooMuchInformation unbelievably]]:-->'''Ben Bailey:''' An alternative to permanent tattoos, what plant dye, popular in India, is used for temporary body art?\\'''Contestant:''' I know this!\\'''Ben Bailey:''' You do?\\'''Contestant:''' {{Hentai}}!\\'''Ben Bailey:''' ... ''({{aside glance}})''\\'''Ben Bailey:''' ... [[SarcasmFailure The correct answer]] was ''henna.''* ''{{Series/Battlestar Galactica|2003}}'' uses this trope to no end, but one example stands out: in the pilot miniseries, Adama calls Col. Tigh out on flipping over a table while completely hammered, inciting a fight between him and Starbuck. Tigh unsuccessfully defends his position.-->'''Adama:''' Well, you did flip over the table first.\\'''Tigh:''' I did not! ''(beat)'' Unless I did.* ''Series/{{Seinfeld}}'' uses them regularly, often because the studio audience won't stop laughing.-->'''Jerry:''' She's talking about her panties so uh, I said 'You mean the panties your mother laid out for you?"\* beat*\\'''George:''' "You mean the panties your mother laid out for you?" What does that mean?!* ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'' used one for maximum effect when Worf was giving Wesley romance advice.-->'''Worf:''' Men do not roar. ''Women'' roar. And [[MasochismTango hurl heavy objects. And claw at you.]]\\'''Wesley''' What does the man do?\\'''Worf:''' [[RealMenWearPink He reads love poetry.]] ''({{Beat}})'' [[CrowningMomentOfFunny He ducks a lot.]]* The audience of ''Series/WhoseLineIsItAnyway'' has one while they process a joke told by Drew Carey.-->'''Drew:''' Welcome back to ''Series/WhoseLineIsItAnyway'', where applauding loudly means that you're great in bed.\\'''Audience:''' *beat* (starts to clap loudly).* Very memorable unscripted instance in [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcrwJXAGqwg dash-cam video]] shown on ''World's Dumbest Drivers'' (episode 9, segment 5, "The Thin Blue One-Liner"). The professional comedians among the commentators unanimously loved this guy.-->'''Female driver:''' I thought you didn't give pretty girls tickets.\\'''Cop:''' You thought we didn't give pretty girls tickets.\\''(beat)''\\'''Cop:''' You're absolutely right, we don't. Sign here.* ''Series/StargateSG1'' has a truly epic Beat that lasts a full twelve seconds in its 100th Episode, Wormhole X-Treme. The actress who portrays Stacy Monroe corners the director and creative consultant of the show, and asks them that age-old "phasing" problem. It's one of the funniest moments in the whole episode:-->'''Monroe:''' So if I can walk through walls, how come I don't fall through the floor?\\''(12-second beat)''\\'''Martin:''' We'll have to get back to you on that.* The conclusion to the ''[[Series/KamenRiderDenO Den-O]]'' arc of ''Series/KamenRiderDecade''. Long story short: [[Series/KamenRiderKuuga Kuuga]] sees two Imagin fighting, proclaims that he knows who the enemy is, and proceeds to Rider Kick that Imagin...but he attacks Momotaros, the ''heroic'' Imagin, not the actual enemy, the Alligator Imagin. Decade, who was supposed to punch out Alligator, abruptly ''stops mid-punch'' to berate Kuuga on his mistake. Does that convince you of a lull in the battle? No? Then how about, during the whole fiasco, Kuuga was ''dangling in mid-air'', his feet lodged against Momo's neck!* ''Series/ArrestedDevelopment'': Michael Bluth is a master of the sarcastic blank stare.-->'''Michael:''' Maybe you could take a date to the cabin?\\'''Lucille:''' How am I supposed to find someone willing to go into that musty old claptrap?\\''{{beat}}''\\{{beat}}\\'''Michael:''' The ''cabin''. Yes, that will be difficult.* By far the most common gag on ''Series/{{Kaamelott}}'', given that everybody considers themselves SurroundedByIdiots. Arthur remains the OnlySaneMan.* Lampshaded after ''{{Series/Rhoda}}'' tells someone that she may be having a baby, and they're too surprised to respond.-->{{beat}}\\'''Rhoda:''' This is what they call a "pregnant pause".* On the second season of ''Series/TheJoeSchmoShow'', Derek Newcastle (actually a disguised version of Ralph Garman) does this just after the cast has watched Cammy's ''Porked 'n Beans'' food fetish video. "I'm sorry we had see that (''beat'') on such a small monitor."[[/folder]]

[[folder:Music]]* This could get a VERY long list, so just one song with a very characteristic beat: "Supervixen" by {{Music/Garbage}}.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Theatre]]* Favorite trope of the [[{{Absurdism}} Theatre of the Absurd]], notably used by [[{{Theater}} playwrights]] Samuel Beckett, Suzan-Lori Parks, and ''especially'' Creator/HaroldPinter (see quote at the top of the page).[[/folder]]

[[folder:Video Games]]* This is actually written into combos for {{Fighting Game}}s. Here, the Beat (generally written as a "!" or "-") is used to either allow the opponent to fall into a more advantageous position, or to let the combo meter reset. In both cases, it counts as a delay in the combo due to the player's lack of action, but the same combo as the opponent is generally incapable of acting.* [[SoBadItsGood Used hilariously]] in the ''Videogame/WorldOfWarcraft'' Hot On The Trail questline in Westfall. All done in ''{{Series/CSI}}''/FilmNoir style.-->"This was an execution. Whoever did this was sending a message. A message for anyone that would dare snitch on these criminals. It would appear that poor Two-Shoes Lou really did put his foot... (Beat) In his mouth."** [[Series/CSIMiami YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!]]* ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsII'' has a rather long pause when it's revealed [[spoiler: that the Ansem they defeated last time wasn't the real Ansem, and was just an impostor.]]* The first ''VideoGame/ShadowHearts'' has this long [[CrowningMomentOfFunny (and hilarious)]] example:-->'''Alice:''' I feel like it wants to tell us something...\\'''Yuri:''' ...\\'''Yuri:''' ...\\'''Yuri:''' ...\\'''Yuri:''' ...Oh yeah?* ''Videogame/MassEffect2'' has this with a romance between Garrus and Female Shepard-->'''Garrus:''' I'd wait, if you're okay with it. Disrupt the crew as little as possible...and take that last chance to find some calm just before the storm. You know me, I always like to savor the last shot before popping the heatsink.\\'''Shepard:''' ...(with a small grin on her face)\\'''Garrus:''' ...\\'''Garrus:''' [[ThatCameOutWrong Wait, that metaphor just went somewhere horrible.]]* The ''Franchise/AceAttorney'' series does this a LOT.* ''[[Videogame/TheIdolmaster2 The iDOLM@STER 2]]'' - Whenever Miki mentions Ritsuko's name, there's a beat before she adds the honorific -san at the end of her name.-->'''Miki:''' Ritsuko... san and the others coached me to at least say my greatings correctly.** That happens even when she's having a heated discussion with Touma after her unit beats the RGKM the first time.* ''VideoGame/Jak3Wastelander'' has a great one when the precursors are finally revealed for the first time-->'''Precursor:''' We are unhappy with your performance. If you had been a true hero, you would have stopped Errol by now!\\''(The Precursors are revealed to be [[spoiler:fuzzy little rats, AKA, Ottsels, or what Daxter has been for the entire series]])''\\* Everyone stares at each other*\\* Veger's staff falls to the ground*\\'''Jak:''' Oh my God.* In Chapter 15 of ''VideoGame/GhostTrick'', one puzzle requires you to [[spoiler: swap a bullet in with a wool hat ''after it's fired'']]. After you perform the required action and unstop time, the game lets the scene hang there for a moment, so you can realize the implications of what you just did. If you [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoH2kN-8B0c did the puzzle wrong]] and [[spoiler: swapped in a ''metal hard hat'']] instead, the feeling of "that was clearly not the correct action" is very effective.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Original]]* ''WebVideo/DoctorHorriblesSingAlongBlog'' loves this trope, using it on multiple occasions, and frequently paired with {{Metaphorgotten}}.-->"Wow, sarcasm, [[HypocriticalHumor that's original!]]" ''(Beat)''\\"Billy? You're driving the spork into your leg." (Beat) "...So I am! Hilarious!"\\"See you in the aftermath. Peace!" (Beat) "... [[{{Metaphorgotten}} But not literally]]..."* Used extensively in ''WebVideo/DragonBallAbridged''.* Also common in ''WebVideo/CodeMent''. It's usually followed or caused by Lelouch saying something ''insanely'' NonSequitur. Which is often. It's also subverted when Lelouch reacts INSTANTLY to well-nigh ridiculous situations that would normally require a beat to comprehend with something even more ridiculous.-->Lelouch/One is in a cave with a recuperating (and naked) C.C. when Kallen walks in.\\'''Kallen:''' WHAT THE HELL!?\\'''Lelouch/One:''' PLEASEGODNO. Now, wait, Kallen, calm down!\\'''C.C.''' Listen, [[NotWhatItLooksLike don't get the wrong idea]]--\\'''Kallen:''' ''(hisses)''\\'''C.C.:''' Did that bitch just ''hiss at me''?\\'''Kallen:''' WHATCHU GONNA DO ABOUT IT?\\'''Lelouch/One:''' Kallen, KALLEN. Let's get one thing straight, here...\\''(Beat)''\\'''Lelouch/One:''' '''I WAS GIVIN' HER THE SEX!!!'''* WebVideo/TheNostalgiaCritic also does this in his review of ''Film/TheRoom''.-->'''NC:''' Wow. So, what year is this?\\'''NC of the future:''' The future!\\'''NC:''' Okay, but...why am I downstairs in the basement?\\'''NC of the future:''' Oh, it's the only place we can hide to stay away from the seahorses.\\'''NC:''' Oh, oh, okay.\\(beat)\\'''NC:''' [[FlatWhat What.]]* A long one after Dana does the HairFlip in ''WebVideo/EchoChamber'''s Trope of the Week episode UnresolvedSexualTension.* A very short one in ''Machinima/RedVsBlue'' during the CurbStompBattle of [[BadAss Tex]] vs. Everyone, when Tucker jumps away at the very last moment when Caboose drops a shipping container on him and Tex while the two are fighting.-->'''Tucker:''' ''I can't believe that worked!''\\'''Tucker:''' ''Oh fuck, that didn't work!''* Common in ShinyObjectsVideos. ''An Earnest Discussion'' is probably the best example--it ''runs'' on this trope.* A RunningGag on ''WebVideo/AtopTheFourthWall'' where Linkara will note the character's absurd plan or statement and respond with "...wait, what?" after a beat.* [[WebVideo/FriendshipIsWitchcraft Friendship is Witchcraft]] has one so long that the characters start blinking in time with the beat of the background music.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Western Animation]]* In the ''[[WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague Justice League Unlimited]]'' episode "Epilogue":-->'''Amanda Waller:''' Finding Batman's genetic material wasn't hard. (Cut to a shot of Batman being bandaged by a paramedic while ''she'' collects a sample of his blood off the ground) He left it all over town.\\''(beat while [[WesternAnimation/BatmanBeyond Terry]] gives her a look)''\\[[GettingCrapPastTheRadar Not even remotely what I meant]].* ''WesternAnimation/DoraTheExplorer'' LOVES doing this.* A short beat occurs in ''WesternAnimation/AdventureTime'''s "Incendium".-->'''Flame Princess:''' YOU DON'T LIKE ME?!?!\\'''Finn:''' [[spoiler:I like you!]]\\''[insert 5-second beat and a LuminescentBlush here]''* ''WesternAnimation/SpaceGhostCoastToCoast'': Uncomfortable pauses are used liberally in every episode, to the point of LampshadeHanging:-->'''Space Ghost:''' It lets me blend... just about anything! ''(beat)''\\'''Zorak:''' Beat!\\'''Space Ghost:''' Classy people are always blending stuff. ''(beat)''\\'''Zorak:''' Beat!* {{WesternAnimation/Harvey Birdman|AttorneyAtLaw}} often blends longer beats with faster speed for comedic rhythm.* In ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'' episode "Burns Verkaufen der Kraftwerk," the new owners of the nuclear power plant assess Homer's usefulness. It goes about as well as you'd expect.-->'''German Boss 1:''' You have been safety inspector for two years. What initiatives have you spearheaded in that time?\\'''Homer:''' Uh... All of them?\\'''German Boss 1:''' I see... Then you must have some good ideas for the future as well?\\'''Homer:''' I sure do!\\* Long beat* ''(bosses glance at each other)''\\'''German Boss 2:''' Such... as?** Hosting his show on Halloween in a vampire costume:--->'''Krusty:''' Tonight I'm going to suck... ''(beat)'' your blood.** After Chief Wiggum, Eddie and Lou see Maggie driving by in a car:--->'''Wiggum:''' Aww, would you look at that, a baby driving a car. ''(beat)'' And look, there's a dog driving a bus.** [[KentBrockmanNews Unsurprisingly, terrible news anchor Kent Brockman is prone to these]]:--->'''Kent:''' Hello, I'm Kent Brockman! Our top stories tonight: '''''A TREMENDOUS EXPLOSION!'''''\\(beat)\\...in the price of lumber. '''''AND PRESIDENT REAGAN DIES!'''''\\(beat)\\...his hair.** After seeing Homer and Marge kiss:--->'''Lenny:''' [[HoYay Carl, remember when we used to kiss like that]]... (beat)...with our respective girlfriends?** When Bart costs the football team a victory due to Homer appointing him quarterback.--->'''Terri:''' You ruined our undefeated season! You ruined everything, ruiner! ''(beat)'' My sister likes you!** When Bart is considering leaving the Jr Campers:--->'''Homer:''' Marge, don't discourage the boy. Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It's what separates us from the animals! ''(beat)'' ...except the weasels.* ''WesternAnimation/PhineasAndFerb''. Used fairly often, for instance in "Chronicles of Meap", when Isabella is irritated at Phineas for failing to realize that she might be causing the interference in his [[AbstractScale cute tracker]]:-->'''Isabella:''' I still have to earn my You-Wouldn't-Know-Cute-If-It-Bit-Your-Leg-Off accomplishment patch.\\* beat*\\'''Phineas:''' [[ChasteHero Cool, let's go!]]** In "That Sinking Feeling":--->'''Doofenshmirtz:''' The lighthouse is gone and there's nothing you can do about it! So you might as well run back to Major Monogram and tell him you lost this one!\\* beat*\\* Perry walks out the door*\\'''Background Singers:''' PEEEEERRRRRRRRY!* ''WesternAnimation/{{Futurama}}'': Used quite a few times through out the series, but most notably after the show returned to ComedyCentral:-->'''Farnsworth:''' Yes, it's almost like a... Comedy Central channel! And we're on it now!\\* beat*\\'''Amy:''' I get it!* ''WesternAnimation/{{Metalocalypse}}'':-->'''General Crozier:''' You're being paid to gather all the information you can with this camera, so no f[[SoundEffectBleep guitar riff]]king around, got that, candynose?\\''(beat)''\\'''Dr. Rockso:''' [[CatchphraseInterruptus I DO COCAI]]--\\'''General Crozier:''' [[StopSayingThat Yes, yes, I know.]]* From ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'' episode "A Bird in the Hoof," Rainbow Dash tries to get a reaction from Celestia's guards, then says-->''"Oh you're good. ''(beat)'' Too good. I'm bored."''** In episode "[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E24OwlsWellThatEndsWell Owl's Well That Ends Well]]", Spike needs to get a quill for Twilight Sparkle. So of course, he goes to [[SeverelySpecializedStore Quills and Sofas ...]] which just so happens to be out of the former.-->'''Spike:''' But the store is called Quills and Sofas! You only sell ''two'' things!-->'''[[FanNickname Davenport]]:''' Sorry, junior. All outta quills 'til Monday. ({{beat}}) Need a sofa?* From the ''WesternAnimation/KingOfTheHill'' episode "Of Mice and Little Green Men", when Peggy fills in for Bobby in the "Literature/OfMiceAndMen" play he was going to do with Hank:-->Peggy: Lenny, don't drink so much!-->Hank: Okay George, you have some. You have some too.-->Peggy: I don't know. it looks kind of scummy to me. (pauses to look at the script) Who writes this crap?* Happens in the ''WesternAnimation/MagicAdventuresOfMumfie'' episode "If The Hat Fits" when Mumfie and Scarecrow wonder what to do with a mischievous group of leaves that wouldn't stop bothering them.-->Mumfie: (in a loud voice) I wonder where we can put the leaves!-->Scarecrow: Who are you talking to?-->Mumfie: You. (in the same loud voice) Weíll have to put them somewhere the wind canít get them.-->Scarecrow: (shushes Mumfie) If you talk that loud, the wind will hear you.-->Mumfie: I ''want'' it to hear me.-->Scarecrow. Oh. -->([[{{Beat}} beat]])-->I donít think Iím getting the hang of this![[/folder]]

[[folder:Real Life]]* In an interview, actress Tea Leoni mentioned that she first thought "Beat" must be some sort of slang, because it showed up often in her scripts, [[ReadingTheStageDirectionsOutLoud and thus said it out loud.]] This was soon corrected.* During his final decade working for {{Creator/CBS}}; legendary NFL broadcaster Pat Summerall often read promotions for the CBS Sunday night lineup (from 1984-93; it was Series/SixtyMinutes; Series/MurderSheWrote and a movie) in which he would read the Series/MurderSheWrote listing as "Murder...She Wrote"; complete with pause.[[/folder]]